One of Australia's most famous natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world's largest coral reef. The reef contains a large variety of life and over 3,000 reef systems and hundreds of islands with some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Because of its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the world's most sought-after tourist attractions.
However, for the past few years, the news about corals has been discouraging. Currently, the reef is threatened by climate change, tourism, water pollution, and overfishing. Agricultural fertilizer (肥料) run-off from Australian farms also has caused the widespread growth of sea-plants ,which absorb most of the nutrients (养分) and leave little remaining for the living coral reef and the animals that live in it. "What has changed is the increasing importance of climate change as a greater threat than the others," says David Wachenfeld, a scientist of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Coral reefs are extremely sensitive (敏感的) to warming ocean temperatures.
In a report on April 28, the Australian government said it set aside $ 500 million to help protect corals. The money will be spent on reducing water pollution from agriculture, reef monitoring and research on climate influence.
Though the Australian investment is welcome, it will at best only delay coral deaths. It's too little, too late, as a leading coral-scientist Terry Hughes of James Cook University put it. The only way to save corals over the long term is to slow down climate change. That process will require all countries to work together to find the most effective way of cutting emissions (排放) of greenhouse gases.
The most recent emissions figures, however, show that the world is failing at that task. The year 2019 has seen an increase in global emissions. This week in Bonn, Germany, countries are meeting to discuss how to keep their word in the Paris climate agreement. Let's hope they hear about the silent death of the world's corals.
How to Enjoy Life As a Teen
The "best years of your life"? Maybe not, but you can learn to make the most of your high school days.
. Whether it's having a computer, having friends, having a good supply of food, a bed to sleep on, a family that loves you or simply being born in this world, remember that the point of life is for you to enjoy it. Be happy, and life will reward you. Remember that these are the last few years you will be able to enjoy yourself without having to worry about the responsibility (责任) of an adult.
Choose your friends wisely. Unlike what many articles state, you don't have to be popular and have lots of friends to be happy. . Try to have friends that like you because of who you are, not just because you are wearing a certain brand of shoes or something like that. These are people who shop at the same store as you, not someone who will sympathize (同情) with you when your dog dies.
Play a sport or work out. Having a healthy body leads to a healthy and happy mind. .
Be sociable. . While you only need 4 or 5 close friends, that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to meet new people. Participating gives you something to do instead of sitting bored at home.
! If you have a special girl or guy you want to ask out or dance with, just ask! You probably won't be rejected(拒绝) but if you are, remember that there will always be someone else that likes you for who you are. Don't go to sleep that night with regret.
A. Go for it
B. Keep your grades up
C. Learn to appreciate small things
D. If you are not good at sports, join a band or choir
E. Being confident about your appearance makes you more confident in other areas
F. In fact, many of the "friends" you have when you are popular are not true friends
G. Joining in activities and sports increases your chances of meeting new friends
